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South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium is a captivating window into the aquatic wonders of the Palmetto State.

About

The South Carolina Aquarium is a captivating window into the aquatic wonders of the Palmetto State. Nestled on Charleston Harbor, this institution brings visitors face-to-face with thousands of native animals and plants, showcasing everything from mountain streams to the vast Atlantic Ocean. It's a place where education and conservation converge, offering engaging experiences that highlight the importance of protecting our natural world.

Guests embark on a remarkable "journey of water" across South Carolina's distinct regions, beginning in the Mountain Forest with its cascading waterfalls and resident bald eagle, Liberty, and playful river otters, Charlie and Beau. Moving through exhibits like the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, visitors encounter diverse species such as alligators and venomous snakes, before arriving at the impressive Great Ocean Tank. This 42-foot-deep, 385,000-gallon habitat is home to hundreds of marine animals, including majestic sharks, stingrays, and the beloved loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta. Interactive touch tanks invite guests to gently connect with creatures like horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and even small sharks.

Beyond its incredible exhibits, the aquarium is a beacon of hope for marine life, particularly through its Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery. Here, guests can observe the vital work of rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles, witnessing their journey from rescue to release. The South Carolina Aquarium provides a memorable and enriching experience for all ages, fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricate beauty and critical conservation needs of South Carolina's aquatic environments. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.

The South Carolina Aquarium officially opened its doors on May 19, 2000, situated on the historic Charleston Harbor. Its mission from the outset has been to inspire conservation of the natural world through exceptional animal care, education, and research. The idea for the aquarium was first conceived in 1983 by former Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. after visiting the Shedd Aquarium. The facility was designed to highlight the rich biodiversity of South Carolina's aquatic ecosystems, guiding visitors through the journey of water from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Since its opening, it has become one of the region's most visited attractions and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). A significant expansion of its conservation efforts occurred with the opening of the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery Center, a working hospital that allows visitors to witness the rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles firsthand. This center has rehabilitated hundreds of sea turtles since its inception, playing a crucial role in the species' survival.

What to do here

Explore the various galleries that depict South Carolina's ecosystems from mountains to the sea. Watch animal feedings and dive shows, interact at the touch tanks, and learn about conservation efforts at the Sea Turtle Recovery Center. Look for specific animals like Alabaster the albino alligator in the Coastal Plain exhibit.

Seasonal info

The aquarium is open year-round, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Special events like "Aquarium Aglow" during the holiday season offer a unique lighted experience. Weekday mornings are best for fewer crowds, while summer and holidays tend to be busier.

Accessibility

The aquarium is committed to providing an engaging experience for all visitors. Complimentary wheelchairs are available for rent with a picture ID on a first-come, first-served basis. Strollers and diaper bags are permitted, though smaller strollers are recommended for easier navigation. The Boneyard Beach Touch Tank Experience, opened in May 2025, features lowered tank walls for increased accessibility.

Don't miss

Great Ocean Tank

The deepest tank in North America at 42 feet, featuring sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and various fish. Daily dive shows offer insights into animal care and feeding.

Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery

A working sea turtle hospital where you can observe veterinarians and marine biologists caring for injured sea turtles.

The Shallows (Stingray Touch Tank)

An outdoor exhibit where you can gently touch cownose and Atlantic stingrays, and even feed them for an additional fee.

Mountain Forest

Home to Liberty, a rescued bald eagle, and the playful North American river otters, Charlie and Beau.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

North American River Otter

Bald Eagle

Cow

Horseshoe Crab

American Alligator

Ant

Sea Turtle

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Purchase tickets online in advance

The aquarium encourages timed entry and online ticket purchases to reduce wait times and guarantee your spot, especially during busy periods.

Arrive early or late

To avoid peak crowds, consider visiting on a weekday morning right after opening or later in the afternoon, closer to the last entry time.

Don't miss the Great Ocean Tank dive shows: Check the daily schedule for feeding times and presentations by divers in the Great Ocean Tank for an immersive experience.

Engage with the touch tanks

Take advantage of the interactive touch tanks in "The Shallows" and "Discovery Lab" to feel stingrays, horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and even small chain dogfish sharks. You can often purchase a voucher to feed the stingrays for an additional fee.

Visit the Sea Turtle Recovery Center

This is a unique opportunity to see real conservation work in action and learn about sea turtle rehabilitation.

Check for special events

The aquarium hosts various special events throughout the year, such as Aquarium Aglow during the holidays, which can offer a unique visiting experience.

Frequently asked questions

: The South Carolina Aquarium is typically open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last ticketed entry allowed at 3:30 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. It's always best to check their official website for any specific changes or holiday hours.
: Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the aquarium, though small snacks and personal water bottles are allowed. The Sea Turtle Café is available on-site, and numerous restaurants are within walking distance in downtown Charleston.
: Most visitors spend between two to three hours exploring the South Carolina Aquarium. If you wish to fully engage with all exhibits, attend dive shows, participate in touch tank experiences, and visit the Sea Turtle Recovery area, you might want to allow up to four hours for a more relaxed visit.